USDA Forest Service Awards $15K for Lawn Mowing and Flower Bed Maintenance to BCE Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,000 ($15.0K)

Contractor: BCE Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-07-17

End Date: 2024-11-04

Contract Duration: 476 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HAMDEN, CT, LAWN MOWING AND FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRMONT, MARION County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $15,000 to BCE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: HAMDEN, CT, LAWN MOWING AND FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Low contract value suggests localized, routine service needs. 2. Competition method (SAP) indicates a streamlined process for smaller procurements. 3. Risk appears low given the nature of services and contract value. 4. Sector is Landscaping Services, a common municipal and agency need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $15,000 award for landscaping services is a modest amount. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service scope, but for routine maintenance, this appears within a reasonable range for a single location or small area.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting limited competition among pre-qualified or local vendors. This method prioritizes efficiency for smaller dollar amounts but may not yield the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal due to the low contract value, representing routine operational support for the Forest Service.

Public Impact

Ensures upkeep of federal grounds, contributing to agency appearance and safety. Supports local economy through contract award to BCE Solutions LLC. Provides essential grounds maintenance for Forest Service facilities in West Virginia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 32 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition under SAP.
Scope creep risk if not clearly defined.
Vendor performance monitoring is crucial.

Positive Signals

Clear service type (landscaping).
Defined contract duration.
Firm Fixed Price contract type.

Sector Analysis

The Landscaping Services sector encompasses a wide range of grounds maintenance activities. Spending benchmarks vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of services required, from basic mowing to elaborate horticultural care.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to BCE Solutions LLC, a small business. The use of SAP often facilitates awards to small businesses for smaller procurements, promoting their participation in federal contracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard purchase order procedures were followed. Oversight would involve monitoring service delivery against the contract requirements and ensuring timely payment by the Department of Agriculture.

Related Government Programs

Landscaping Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price escalation if scope is not tightly controlled.
Dependence on a single vendor for essential groundskeeping.
Geographic concentration of services in West Virginia.
Limited transparency due to simplified acquisition procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $15,000 to BCE SOLUTIONS LLC. HAMDEN, CT, LAWN MOWING AND FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BCE SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-17. End: 2024-11-04.

What is the specific scope of services included in the "lawn mowing and flower bed maintenance" to ensure fair value?

The specific scope of services is critical for assessing fair value. It should detail the frequency of mowing, the size of the areas to be maintained, types of flower beds, planting/weeding requirements, and any included debris removal. Without this detail, it's difficult to benchmark against industry standards or determine if the $15,000 adequately covers the work.

How was the limited competition under SAP managed to ensure a reasonable price was achieved?

Under SAP, agencies typically solicit quotes from a minimum number of sources, often focusing on local or pre-approved vendors. To ensure a reasonable price, the agency should have compared quotes received, verified vendor capabilities, and confirmed the price was fair and reasonable based on market research or historical data for similar services in the West Virginia region.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to measure effectiveness?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely include adherence to mowing schedules, quality of cut, weed control effectiveness in flower beds, proper plant care, and overall site tidiness. The Forest Service should have a system for inspecting the work and providing feedback to BCE Solutions LLC to ensure the grounds are maintained to the required standard throughout the contract period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12444823Q0021

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 340 HOG LICK HOLLOW RD, FAIRMONT, WV, 26554

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,500

Exercised Options: $15,000

Current Obligation: $15,000

Actual Outlays: $15,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline